Forum Discussion

the_maverick's avatar
the_maverick
Explorer
May 06, 2013

Begginer questions on battery

I have tried to read these threads and research this.. I just have two basic questions. I have brand new 24 size deep cycle battery. 2010 jayco hybrid... I have it plugged into shore power. how does one know when its fully charged? I have had it plugged in for 30 hours now.. I just don't know how to tell if fully charged.
also I have read about the parasitic draw. so I will unplug the battery between weekends instead of keeping it plugged in all the time.. does one unplug the negative and keep the positive plugged in? or is it ok to just unplug both while im between trips? thank you
  • Chuck_S's avatar
    Chuck_S
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    So what's the difference between being parked at a campground or parked in your driveway?
    No difference IF you're connected to shorepower. Which many (most?) of us are NOT between trips.

    The parasitic loads loads in my Roo (LP detector, radio) will suck a Group 24 battery dry in two (2) weeks if the battery is left connected.

    On constant charge be sure to check the electrolyte level in the battery periodically as these can be "boiled" dry.

    -- Chuck
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    Never thought I would say this. I know very little about elec. I wired a shed before with a retired electrican helping me, that was it.
    My RV has some serious elec problems and had to break down and get a cheap volt meter and spent some time on-line figuring out what all those symbols mean. Now 3 months later I still have to carry a paper with what those symbols mean but a lot better at elec. And volt meter has sure came in handy.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    I've never disconnected the battery on my pup, or either of the 2 different TT's I've owned. I kept the camper(s) plugged into shore power 24x7x 365 (except when on the road traveling).

    If you were camping in a campground, connected to full hook-ups and you were located at one spot for a month, would you be unhooking and disconnecting your battery? So what's the difference between being parked at a campground or parked in your driveway?
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    What brand of converter do you have? WFCO's have an adequate charging circuit but the older Elixir's were only single stage and were not good at battery charging.
    I mounted a Blue Sea marine-grade disconnect switch in a plastic electrical junction box and have that attached to the side of the battery box. And I switch the negative side of the battery.
  • Chuck_S's avatar
    Chuck_S
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    Do not disconnect both cables as they're "hot" as soon as you plug the camper into shorepower.

    Put a battery disconnect on the negative cable. Or disconnect the negative cable (but you'll soon tire of this).

    -- Chuck
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 06, 2013
    If removing a cable I always remove the negative first. If installing a switch it should go on the positive along with all other switches and fuses.

    30 hours should be fully charged. Measure voltage but it is generally best to just leave it plugged in and charging 24/7. Watch the water level at least once a month in hot weather.

    Link to "The 12volt side of Life"
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    Easiest way to disconnect is to install a battery disconnect switch. They're are not very expensive and easy to install. I think mine was $15.

    There should be a gage that shows you your state of charge. Mines in the same set of gages as my tank levels.

    Hope that helps.

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